By:
Submission
Nestled in the heart of sunny central Oregon, Tumalo rests along Oregon's spectacular Deschutes River. The campground is simultaneously close enough to the town of Bend to make an quick jaunt to the grocery store, but far enough away to escape the commotion. Its location makes it an ideal stepping stone for any type of outdoor activity you could possibly dream of: lush green golf courses, clear blue-ribbon trout steams, pristine alpine lakes, miles upon miles of challenging yet scenic hiking and mountain bike trails, and of course the Cascade Mountains are all within easy reach.
Approximately 23 full-hookup sites
More than 50 tent campsites
Seven yurts (two pet-friendly)
Two seasonal group camping area
Two seasonal group picnic areas
Seasonal hiker/biker camp
Showers and flush toilets
Firewood and ice sales (in season)
Universal Access
Four campsites and one yurt are accessible to campers with disabilities.
Directions to Tumalo State Park From the west: Follow Hwy 20 east of Sisters approx. 15 miles. Watch for hwy signs at Tumalo Junction. Turn right onto OB Riley Rd. and continue 1 mile to park. The campground will be on your left. From the north: Follow Hwy 97 south of Redmond, approx. 10 miles. Watch for hwy signs at Deschutes Mkt. Tumalo Rd. exit. Turn right on Tumalo Rd and continue 4 miles into Tumalo. Turn left onto Cline Falls Hwy and follow signs to Hwy 20; cross Hwy 20 and continue 1 mile to park on OB Riley Rd. The campground will be on your left.
I’ve camped at this state park three times, and each time has been exceptionally fantastic. The first two times I camped in a travel trailer, with the last time being in a yurt. Whichever way you decide to camp, you likely will not be disappointed.
It’s easy to tell at this campground that cleanliness is a top priority. The grounds are very clean and cleared of debris, as are the yurts. The washrooms and showers, the two parts of a campground that people normally dread going to, were next to spotless. Very impressed with this aspect of staying at this state park.
Aside from the cleanliness, the geographical location of the park is also a major plus. The park is within 10-15 mins of most of downtown Bend. Other places to visit—such as Smith Rock State Park, the High Desert Museum, parts of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, Tumalo Falls, and Shelvin Park are all within 30-45 mins of the campground.
The geography of the park itself is very unique, with the Deschutes River flowing right through it underneath cliffs of ancient volcanic rock. The scenes are picturesque and I can say after my third visit to the park, they never get old.
The day-use area, located right across road from the campground, has some fun activities to do. The Deschutes River provides swimming opportunities and people often bring their inner-tubes to float down the river to another spot in the day-use area. This part of the park does get extremely busy in the summer, however, so I recommend coming early in the day.
The only downside comes from my most recent stay at the park—and it’s one that is out of anybody’s control—the noise from the highway. The campground is right next to a fairly busy road, and so loud cars at night can be heard every once in a while. In particular, during my most recent stay, some moron was doing donuts down on the road at 10:30pm, well after most people are trying to sleep. Unfortunately, the hosts said that this has become a near weekly occurrence. The noise bothers me, however not nearly as much as the safety of others being compromised.
Overall, aside from this one unfortunate aspect, the camping experience here is sublime. I’ve made lots of great memories in the area and I hope to make many more down the road!
There is a beautiful riverfront park. Also a great easy trail along the river .
